heeding every word. He felt his imagination playing out, transporting him to those distant times when his grandfather had been like him – full of dreams and mystery.
Dad, joining the conversation, laid out the toasts in front of him and said: “You know, there is a folk legend that every stone contains a particle of earth energy. Some even believe that they can grant wishes.”
Nicolas stared at his plate, thinking about his father’s words. He remembered finding this stone on a walk in the woods-it was special, different from the others.
Finished with the coffee, Mom suggested we spend today outdoors. “How about we go to the park?” – She asked. “We could take our picnic!” – she added, and the room was flooded with a friendly “yay!” that erupted from everyone.
After breakfast, Grandpa invited Nicolas into his study. Nicolas followed him eagerly, believing that something special was stored there. In his study there were shelves filled with old books and unusual objects. In one corner were colorful bottles in which small models of ships floated.
“These ships, Nicolas, are only a part of what I want to tell you about,” Grandfather began with a smile. “Do you know that your stone has its own secrets? It is a moonstone that gathers the light of the moon. On the night of a full moon, it can grant your wish, but only one.
Nicolas’s eyes lit up. He had always dreamed of a real adventure. “How does it work, Grandpa?”
“Moonstone responds to pure desire. You must be willing and think only of what is truly important to you. But remember, Nicolas, not every wish can lead to happiness. Always weigh the consequences of your requests.”
“I’ll try!” – replied Nicolas enthusiastically, imagining what miracles could happen if he used the power of the stone.
Grandpa put a hand on his shoulder. “Know that despite all the magic, the most important thing is your family and how you take care of each other. Got it?”
“Got it, grandpa! I’ll be sure to think about my wish.” – Nicolas was determined to think of something special.
After the discussion with his grandfather, Nicolas left the study full of inspiration and new ideas. His mind was buzzing with thoughts about what wish he should make. Every step took him back to that wonderful evening when he looked at the starry sky and felt his soul fill with anticipation of something amazing. How he wished he could experience it again, but this time with true magic!
Finding a spot in the garden, Nicolas sat down on the grass and began to ponder. He knew he was ready to make a wish, but how to choose something that would make him truly happy? He thought of his friends. They had fun together, and Nicolas would ask that they always remain best friends. But then his thoughts returned to the moments spent with his family. He realized that it was the shared moments with his family that gave meaning to his life.
At this time his sister Agnes, full of curiosity, came and sat down beside him. “What are you doing, Nicolas? What are you thinking about?” – She asked, inclining her head.
Nicolas wondered for a moment if he should share his secrets with her. “I…” – he began, but then decided to tell, at least a little. “I’m thinking about what wish to make when there’s a full moon.”
Agness opened her eyes in admiration. “Really? What are you thinking about?” – She asked with genuine interest.
“I wish I had more wishes. But I guess I’d like to be an astronaut and find extraterrestrial life!” – Nicolas replied.
Agnes laughed ringingly, falling playfully on her brother, saying: “And if you find aliens, can I be the first to know about it?”
Nicolas smiled softly, ruffling her hair, “Of course.”
***
In the park they played ball, laughed and enjoyed the warm sunny day. Agnes was as energetic as ever and ran around tirelessly trying to catch the ball. Nicolas, on the other hand, with the moonstone in his pocket, felt special. He knew that this stone could fulfill his most cherished dreams, but he did not dare to use it yet.
Soon the mom decided to go out for ice cream, leaving the kids alone. “Don’t miss me, I’ll be back soon!” – she shouted as she left. As soon as mom left, Agnes, noticing the rock that Nicolas was holding, asked curiously: “Can I hold it?”
“No, that’s my rock!” – replied Nicolas, hiding it behind his back. Agnes, unwilling to yield, reached for it, and an argument ensued between them. Soon they began to jostle, and as a result the moonstone slipped out of Nicolas’ hands and, as if it had a will of its own, flew into the tall bushes.
“Oh no!” – Nicolas exclaimed, dashing after the stone. He crept through the thick branches and finally saw another boy, his age, holding the stone in his hands, twirling it between his fingers. Nicolas felt his heart beat faster. “Hey, that’s my rock!” – he shouted, trying to take it away.
But when he saw the boy’s face, Nicolas stopped. The one had sad eyes, and he looked like something was bothering him. “Please don’t take him away,” the boy said in a quiet voice. “I found him here, and he’s so beautiful. I just wanted to look at it.”
Nicolas froze, realizing that this stone might not only be important to him, but to the other boy as well.
“Who are you? Why are you so sad?” – He asked, stepping closer. The boy sighed and answered:
“I’m Oliver. I just moved to this town and haven’t had a chance to make friends yet. I often play by myself, and today I was just walking in the park. When I saw this rock, it inspired me.”
Nicolas considered Oliver’s words. He felt sorry for the boy who looked so lonely. “Look, I understand how it is. I feel lonely sometimes, too, especially when everyone else is busy doing their own thing,” Nicolas said.
Oliver looked at him hopefully. “Do you really think so? I don’t have anyone here to play with.”
“Maybe we can play together?” – Nicolas suggested, pointing to the moonstone in Oliver’s hands. “This stone is amazing. It gathers the light of the moon and can fulfill dreams, but only during the full moon.”
“Really? How does it work?” Oliver figured out what he could ask of the stone. Thoughts of how he would change his life filled his head.
“During full moons, when the light of the moon is at its brightest, the stone can grant a wish. I haven’t decided to use it yet,” Nicolas explained, feeling his own excitement grow stronger at the thought of a future wish.
Oliver was interested. “Why don’t we try using him together? Perhaps he’ll fulfill our mutual desire to be friends.”
Nicolas trembled with excitement. “But he can only grant one wish a night.”
“I know. But if we become friends, maybe we won’t need any wishing,” Oliver said, then added: “What are you wishing for?”
Nicolas thought for a moment. “I dream of having adventures. To explore the world, to see new places, and to have loyal friends to share it with.”
“May I wish it?” – Oliver asked. “I wish for that too. I wish I had friends